Offshore staff
OSLO, Norway – Norway’s Petroleum Safety Authority (PSA) has ordered Valaris to take action following an investigation of an incident onboard the jackup Rowan Stavanger last September.
A ram door was blown off the BOP during a connection test, which was working at the time for Equinor on the Gudrun field in the North Sea.
While testing the connection between the BOP and the high-pressure riser, the 2-metric ton blind shear ram was blown out as the pressure reached 109 bar (1,581 psi).
First the ram first hit the railings in front of the BOP, and then landed on top of a container used as a workshop outside the cordoned-off area.
According to the PSA, the direct cause of the incident was the anti-rotation bar in the lock mechanism being in the wrong position after the BOP doors were closed.
It led to a spillage of drill water and hydraulic fluid to the weather deck on the Gudrun facility, and to operational delays, although material damage to the BOP was limited.
The investigation team found that the incident could have led to the loss of both primary and secondary barriers in the well if the lower pipe ram (LPR) had blown out during managed pressure drilling.
Losing the LPR on the BOP could have caused a loss of well control with serious consequences.
The review found nonconformities in installations, systems and equipment; a lack of expertise on facility-specific equipment (NXT BOP); and various other deficiencies, including responsibilities and information-sharing.
Valaris must draw up an action plan and submit its response by April 26.
The PSA has sanctioned three upcoming drilling programs elsewhere in the North Sea.
OMV has consent to drill exploration well 1/3-13 on the Ommadawn prospect in North Sea license PL 970, using the jackup Maersk Integrator. Drilling could last up to 79 days in the event of a discovery.
Equinor can use the semisubmersible Transocean Norge for drilling and well operations on the Oseberg field in PL 104 (well 30/9-O-3 H), while for Aker BP, the jackup Maersk Invincible can re-complete well 2/8-V-12 Y at the Valhall field in PL 006B.
03/22/2021
